Best Post Season Series
The Fall Classic has ended. I have reviewed so many baseball games and now I will decide here what my take is on the top 5 best playoff series of all time. Again, this is my opinion.
#5: 2001 World Series. One of the best Series ever, it was also the first I ever watched. The atmosphere for this Series was changed by the events of September 11th, but there was so much on the line. New York, the spiritual capital, was reeling and the Yankees were trying to four-peat. Arizona, the newest team at the time, was on the ride of its life, led by Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling trying to play spoiler. The Series was also the first to play in November, and Derek Jeter became legendary for his walk-off in Game 5. The Diamondbacks then exploded for 15 runs in game six and they were able to hold the Yankees juggernaut to two runs in Game 7. Arizona was able to win this series on an impressive 9th inning rally in Game 7 against the best reliever of all time in Mariano Rivera. MVP honors were shared by Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling.
#4: 1991 NLCS. One of the craziest LCS of all time, this series pitted two upstart teams trying to make their mark. Pittsburgh and Atlanta were both among the best teams in baseball, and Atlanta was able to eke out a win against a Pirates team led by Barry Bonds and Andy van Slyke. The Pirates were trying to put themselves on the map for the first time since the days of “We are Family” and Pops Stargell. A walk-off single by Francisco Cabrera in the deciding game, and the pitching of John Smoltz helped propel the Braves to their first appearance in the World Series in Atlanta since their move from Milwaukee. The Braves were also holding the NL MVP in Terry Pendelton and won their division by a healthy margin, and it was here that the nickname “The team of the 90s” was possibly born. LCS MVP award went to Steve Avery.
#3: 1969 NLCS. The first of its kind, this LCS is what set New York back on the map in the National League. The Mets were able to exorcize their demons from the early 1960s and go to their first World Series. The Mets were able to beat out the Cubs after another season collapse and face the Braves, who were trying to place themselves on the map in the south. The Braves did not stand a chance, and lost in three games. The Mets, with Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan and Donn Clendenon made the Amazin’ Mets one of the best teams in the franchise’s history. No LCS MVP award was not given, as the award would not be handed out until 1977.
#2: 1992 ALCS. No one expected the Blue Jays to be such a dominant force in the AL. Yet, they fought and beat the former powerhouse of Oakland to claim their first AL flag. The Jays used wise pitching and hitting strategies, combined with veteran experience from Dave Winfield and Joe Carter to surprise the world. This would be Toronto’s first trip to the World Series and the first time that the AL flag would fly north of the border. MVP Roberto Alomar was able to inspire his team to the victory and the first World Series appearance and, eventually, the first of back to back titles for Canada. Turns out, this was the last team to win back to back World Series.
Here are a few honorable mentions before we go to #1.
1903 World Series
1919 World Series
1950 World Series
2004 World Series
2016 World Series
#1. 1980 NLCS. This is one of the most exciting series in the playoffs of all time. These upstart teams were each trying to prove to the world that their team should go to the World Series. As it turns out, both teams never wanted the series to end, as after the first game, all games went to extra innings. Houston was dead set on clinching the flag, they pre-determined Philly dead, and Philly won Game 4, forcing a take all Game 5. Marty Bystrom played against Nolan Ryan, and Philly somehow won. Philly took a lead thanks to Manny Trillo, but it was blown by Tug McGraw and the game went to extras. Garry Maddox would knock in the winning run in the form of Del Unser to seal Philadelphia’s first trip to the World Series in 30 years. Series MVP went to Manny Trillo for his heroics. Bill Virdon and Dallas Green should be in the Hall.
The fall always brings out the best in baseball. Whenever possible, dear reader, look up the Series mentioned above on Youtube, MLB Network, or baseball reference; it will be worth your while and I hope that you will learn much from these Series.
Submitted by Dave Hummel